This is at the top of every committed diver's list of things to do before you die, and has been called "The Greatest Show On Earth". This extravaganza only takes place between Port St. Johns and Durban along the South African East Coast during June and July. The South Coast of KwaZulu Natal stages 90% of this spectacle, due to the narrowing of the continental shelf. Every winter enormous shoals of sardines create an eruption of activity that attracts an abundance of predatory sea life. Boosting excitement levels are twenty thousand common dolphins, five thousand bottlenose dolphins, tens of thousands of gannets, thousands of sharks, seals and a collection of marine animals, ranging from the Brydes and Humpback Whales to the ever lurking game fish that arrive from all directions to gorge on these tasty morsels.

A microlight is dispatched at dawn to search for the sardines, marked by swooping gannets and leaping fish on the surface. You help to launch the high speed RIB and race out to the bait ball, kitting up in your scuba gear on the way. Then it's into the water to witness the show. The dolphins herd the sardines into a tight ball and push them towards the surface, gannets fall like snow balls from the sky to feast, sharks, seals and whales are attracted to feed from the heaving bait-ball. The speed of the action is incredible and this is a truly humbling experience. Bring your underwater camera - classes and tips from the expedition leaders are included. You'll learn about the creatures you're looking at from the marine naturalist on board your boat.

Your 11-day expedition includes full board, transfer from Durban, twin share 3 star comfort accommodation, dedicated microlight pilot, photographic tips, and your 9 day sardine run charter is included. The "Run" takes place during South Africa’s winter which is dry season. Theoretically, this means there’s little runoff from rivers so the water should provide good visibility. In reality, because the sardines and their prey can really churn up the water, visibility can be anything from 5 meters (15 ft) to 20 meters-plus (60 ft). You'll be travelling in good company as this expedition is led by one of the best wildlife and underwater photographers in the world. Twice winner of the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Michael Aw won Gold at the World Underwater Film Festival Antibes with his image captured from a sardine run. Click here to see a video of the adventure. This will open another window.